Oktoberfest merriment, Tahoe style.
All photos from Oktoberfest at The Village at Squaw. Photographed
by Matt Palmer Oktoberfest at The Village at Squaw. Photo by Jason Kelley
There’s nothing better than autumn in Tahoe — frantic summer crowds have abated and the weather sublime. Celebrate this locals’ favorite season with the beloved Bavarian tradition known as Oktoberfest. Dig out the lederhosen and dirndls because it’s time to get your oom-pah on!
Squaw Valley
On Sat., Sept. 22, noon to 6 p.m., The Village at Squaw Valley gives a nod to one of Germany’s best exports: Oktoberfest. Naturally, attendees will find authentic German and craft beers flowing and yummy brats sizzling on the grill. The crowd-pleasing Oktoberfest games, open and free to all attendees, include a keg-rolling race, brat toss, and stein-holding competition. Interested in a bit of polka dancing? Joe Smiell’s 20-piece Bavarian band will entice you onto the dance floor.
Admission to Oktoberfest entertainment and games is free. For festival goers 21 or older, it’s $20 for a mug and two beers; $5 for additional beers. German food and root beer floats are available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the High Sierra Lacrosse Foundation.
For details, visit, Squawalpine.com
Tahoe City
Imagine quaffing beer and noshing on brats while your eyes feast on a beautiful Lake Tahoe backdrop. The popular Tahoe City Oktoberfest is slated for Sat., Sept. 29, from noon to 5 p.m. on Commons Beach, located in the heart of downtown Tahoe City. Local craft beers from the region’s best microbreweries will be on tap, including Alibi Ale Works, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Auburn Alehouse Brewery, Founders Brewing Co., and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Wine from Barefoot Wines & Bubbly will be served as well. Tasty food is available for purchase from local vendors, including Men Wielding Fire, Big Blue BBQ, and The Buck Stops Here.
Bavarian-themed shenanigans include the traditional stein-holding contest, wiener toss, and keg rolling. Children will delight in free pumpkin painting, compliments of North Tahoe Arts. Additionally, shop from local vendors selling handcrafted products and artwork. Admission is free. Your first beer, including Oktoberfest stein, is $10.
For details, visit Visittahoecity.org
South Lake Tahoe
The 24th Oktoberfest at South Lake Tahoe’s Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina takes place Sat., Oct. 6 and Sun., Oct. 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free. For details, visit Camprichardson.com.
The fact that Tahoe-based writer Ann Lindemann has two left feet doesn’t stop her from polka-ing her heart out at a local Oktoberfest.
